Local Ngarrindjeri elder Uncle Derek Walker has been nationally recognised as MSC Sustainable Fishing Hero at the recent Australian Sustainable Seafood Awards in Sydney.
The CEO of Kuti Co hails from Murray Bridge and resides on the South Coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula where his team sustainably harvests pipis (also known as kuti and cockles).
Established in 2019, Kuti Co is a wholly Ngarrindjeri-owned fishing company that collaborates with Goolwa PipiCo, a key player in sustainable pipi fishing.
Kuti Co’s sustainability practices are deeply rooted in Ngarrindjeri cultural traditions, which have been sustained for over 19,000 years. In the award ceremony, Derek was recognised for fostering leadership qualities among the crew and passing down traditional knowledge to future generations.
ARN’s Jennie Lenman and Adam Connelly caught up with Derek to find out more about the award and his work. Hear the chat via the audio play window below:
